Restoring Oxfordshire's Black Poplars – A Call for Local Support
One of Britain's rarest native trees is the focus of a new crowdfunding campaign, led by the Swindon to Oxford (Sw~Ox) partnership, with Cotswolds Rivers Trust and other local conservation partners working together to restore native black poplars across Oxfordshire's rivers and floodplains.
Once a familiar feature of our river landscapes, native black poplars have declined dramatically due to habitat loss, land drainage and the removal of mature trees. Today, fewer than 50 are thought to remain in Oxfordshire.
The campaign aims to identify and protect remaining trees, understand their genetic diversity and propagate new trees for planting in suitable habitats. These rare native trees provide valuable habitat for wildlife and contribute to the biodiversity and resilience of our river landscapes.
A chance to triple your donation
The Sw~Ox partnership is aiming to raise £20,000 to support further surveys, propagation and planting of native black poplars across Oxfordshire.
For a limited time, every £1 donated could be trebled to £3 through match funding, thanks to support from the Trust for Oxfordshire's Environment (TOE) and Aviva Community Fund, subject to match-funding limits.
The crowdfunder closes on 25 November 2026.
Could your land help bring back black poplars?
Alongside the fundraising campaign, the project is keen to hear from farmers and landowners across the Cluster with suitable wetter areas for planting young native black poplars, particularly alongside rivers, streams and floodplains.
If you're interested in exploring opportunities on your land, please get in touch with the NECFC team, who can connect you with the partners.
Supporting black poplars locally
The Cluster has previously worked with Ian Sanders of Littlestock Native Black Poplars, near Shipton-under-Wychwood, to explore potential planting sites and help members identify existing trees.
Cluster member and local expert, Ian also supplies native black poplar trees. Find out more through the Littlestock Native Black Poplars listing in our Directory
For more background on the species, revisit our previous article, Black Poplars: How to Save a Tree, featuring a BBC Open Country programme exploring efforts to secure its future.
Comments